Fashion historians can tell you that every decade has a defining trend—the ’70s had platforms, the ’80s had shoulder pads, and the ’90s had chainmail dresses. And then, there are the aughts which, arguably, have managed to be seared into our collective memories in a way that no former decade did before. That was partly due to the rise of divisive trends like low-rise hemlines, trucker hats, and everything covered in excessive amounts of rhinestones—you can’t honestly forget them even if you tried. So you can understand our collective surprise when this decade managed to find a way to dominate the runways again.
It’s worth noting that all trends eventually come back in style (even if we retire them for a bit); it doesn’t mean each one is worth wearing again. When it comes to this era, it can be tricky to find pieces that manage to look good in the long run, much less match a more minimalist aesthetic. And while I adore seeing the fashion set wearing ’00s-inspired outfits, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’ve found it hard to want to wear anything from this era. That is until I saw the return of one specific trend: ruffled clothing.
I’m willing to go to bat and say that ruffled clothing is the best trend from this period. And to prove the point, I’ve researched how ruffled pieces have resurfaced in recent collections and shopped out the best clothing with ruffles at every price point. If you’re as anti-aughts as I was, I’m betting these ruffle pieces will convert you to the cause as they did for me.
As stated before, nostalgia was a dominant force among the spring/summer 2022 collections, and in turn, we’ve seen a boom in apparel inspired by this era. While the fashion set may have first frocked to the idea of all things micro, low-rise, and cropped, another trend in the mix deserved its dues: ruffles. But don’t be fooled; these aren’t the cottagecore or overtly traditional ruffles that first come to mind; instead, they often got a more grown-up take in recent collections. You can see that through the sultry candy-colored halter dresses in Blumarine’s SS / 22 collection or Saint Laurenti’s FW /22 collection that featured a black ruffled gown styled with a moto jacket.
These ruffles take inspiration from our favorite childhood trends but are by no means childish. The reenvisioning of ruffles leans into more “bad” girl aesthics through micro hemlines, body-hugging silhouettes, and ultra-sheer chiffon. It’s also all about the styling itself, as you want to embrace your inner baddie when styling this trend for the summer. Think: styling a chiffon ruffled dress with glass heels or a full-length sheer ruffle duster with a bikini and knee-high boots.
But if you’re still not convinced that ruffle clothing is where it’s at this summer, let me share some quick stats with you. According to Klarna, ruffle clothing has seen a 68% increase in purchases over the past four months. More shoppers are buying into this trend, and summer is the ideal time to embrace this style. Of course, it won’t be for everyone—in fact, in true ’00s fashion, the return of this style is bound to ruffle some feathers. But if you shop the right pieces and style them right, you’ll do the ruffling in a good way.
Style this over jeans or a swimsuit; you’ve got the perfect summer outfit.
You can pair this with jeans, skirts, or swimwear and it will look good no matter what.
It’s giving Dua Lipa.
I wouldn’t mind wearing this on the Amalfi Coast.
Minimalists, here’s your chance to adopt this trend seamlessly.
Cheetah print is very ’00s, so you might as well lean into the vibe and go for it.
The ruffle neckline on this dress is so flattering.
The contrasting ruffle trim on this cardigan is so cute.
Two trends major trends incorporated into one piece? Love to see it.
How cute is this top, though?
Peak aughts.
Attending a wedding this summer? This dress will be perfect for the occasion.
I’m obsessed with this top.
A skirt with a more minimal take on ruffles, but still magical.
This color!
Imagine styling this with a linen trouser and sandals—chic right?
Meet your new favorite mini skirt.
Plissé ruffles? Sign me up.
Ruffles are the perfect way to spice up your swimwear this summer.
Mango knows the way to steal a girl’s heart.
Nothing I love more than a ruffled hemline.
I dream of this dress daily.
Acne Studios did not come to play with this dress.
Everything about this dress screams elegance.
Defiantly can see Carrie Bradshaw wearing this dress.
Consider this dress as my closing argument that ruffles (when done right) are the perfect trend for the summer.
